When I started driving, gas was under a dollar a gallon. I could fill up the tank for less than $20. I didn't think twice about driving here, there and everywhere, at a whim. I would go and drive the twisty back roads of Highway P and Highway 94, just for the sheer enjoyment of "the ride".
Now, with gas just under $4, I am loathe to drive anywhere I don't have to. Once I get home from work, I am reluctant to leave the house again. The thought of just going out "for a drive", without any required destination, makes my chest hurt.
I would love to be able to pick Jameson up, after work, grab the dog, and just go drive up to Cuivre River State Park, and play there for an hour, then take the long way home. But, with the current price of gas, if the park isn't on the way home, I'm not likely to go there, and I'm definitly not going home to grab the dog first. Its really not fair for Jameson (or Myka), but that's just the way it is.
The price of gas greatly impacts my choice of vehicle as well. I look at the list of cars that I would have loved to have, and 95% of them are eliminated because they would not be fuel efficient enough to justify as a daily driver. Here are the eliminated "dream cars":
- Ford F150 - low MPG
- Subaru WRX - premium gas
- Subaru Legacy GT - premium gas
- Jeep Wrangler - low MPG
Right now, if a car doesn't get an average of 27-29 MPG, I wouldn't even considder it. So,I'm hoping my Subaru Legacy (non-turbo) that can average 28 MPG, will last me quite some time. It is moderatly fun to drive, and I really just don't know what I'd be able to replace it with. What are my options when I need something that I can pack a dog and baby, misc gear, and is fun to drive, and is affordable? Please, someone, let me know!
Slightly off topic - I could blame the rise in gas prices to the increase in my sedentary lifestyle. It is much cheaper to stay home and watch TV, than it is to go drive to the park to go for a hike. I don't like running where I live (I have to end the run on an uphill), but I can't afford to drive to a different location. The suburban setting does not lend well to walking to the store or park, so we would have to drive to get anywhere. The act of going to get ice cream (a family favorite activity) could be neutralized if, instead of driving to get the ice cream, we could walk there).
Well, the rant on gas prices is over for now. I'll continue driving as little, and as economically as possible.
